Demo

Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Iambic Therapeutics, Inc
San Diego, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/15/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/15/2026

JOB SUMMARY

We seek an experienced and creative medicinal chemist with a proven track record of success in drug discovery. Candidates should be motivated to work in an intensely collaborative, multidisciplinary, team-based setting. The ideal candidate will be passionate about solving medicinal chemistry challenges, as well as proactively interfacing with diverse teams working on automated experimentation, AI-driven molecular generation, property predictions, and bioassay data generation.

This position is on-site at our San Diego Headquarters.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Devise strategies to identify lead molecules and optimize them for potency, selectivity, and ADME properties using multivariant SAR analysis and hypothesis driven design principles.

  • Execute on high quality ideas by employing a broad range of modern organic chemistry transformations, synthetic methods, creative use of parallel experimentations and implementing innovative techniques.

  • Work closely with molecular and cellular biology, pharmacology, computational chemistry, ADME, and other key functions

  • Influence the prospective use of computational methods and leverage automated synthesis and high-throughput experimentation capabilities

  • Work closely with AI/ML teams to develop and implement relevant predictive models to aid in the design of new molecules

  • Communicate project updates clearly and effectively to the broader team and key stakeholders

  • Work as a member of the Chemistry research group and foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and teamwork

QUALIFICATIONS

  • BS, MS, or PhD in chemistry with a focus on synthetic organic chemistry

  • Experience in small molecule drug discovery in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting and a B.S. with 15 years’ experience, M.S. with 12 years’ experience or Ph.D. with 8 years’ experience.

  • Proven track record of success in advancing programs from leads to advanced candidates.

  • Extensive experience in lead compound optimization for potency, selectivity, ADME and PK.

  • Expert in modern synthetic organic chemistry approaches and principles demonstrated through publications in journals and patents

  • Practical experience and working knowledge of target protein degradation and associated modalities (molecular glues, PROTACS)

  • Ability to integrate multiple R&D disciplines into a successful strategic project plan

  • Experience working with computational chemists as part of project team in design of drug targets is required

  • Strong interpersonal, communication, time management, and leadership skills

  • Creative problem solving and management of relationships with several stakeholders within and beyond the company

ABOUT IAMBIC THERAPEUTICS

Iambic is a clinical-stage life-science and technology company developing novel medicines using its AI-driven discovery and development platform. Based in San Diego and founded in 2020, Iambic has assembled a world-class team that unites pioneering AI experts and experienced drug hunters. The Iambic platform has demonstrated delivery of new drug candidates to human clinical trials with unprecedented speed and across multiple target classes and mechanisms of action. Iambic is advancing a pipeline of potential best-in-class and first-in-class clinical assets, both internally and in partnership, to address urgent unmet patient need. Learn more about the Iambic team, platform, pipeline, and partnerships at iambic.ai.

MISSION & CORE VALUES

Our mission is to deliver better medicines through innovations in AI-based discovery technologies. The culture and work at Iambic Therapeutics are profoundly strengthened by the diversity of our people and our differences in background, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and life experiences. We are committed to building an inclusive environment where a diverse group of talented humans work together to discover therapeutics and create technologies.

PAY AND BENEFITS

We offer industry leading competitive pay, company paid healthcare, flexible spending accounts, voluntary life insurance, 401K matching, and uncapped vacation to our team. We are in a brand-new state-of-the art facility in beautiful San Diego with an onsite gym, dining, and easy access to great places to live and play.

Compensation Range: $152K - $190K

Salary : $152,000 - $190,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$145,337 - $174,569
Income Estimation: 
$153,127 - $203,425
Income Estimation: 
$139,626 - $193,276
Income Estimation: 
$164,650 - $211,440
Income Estimation: 
$130,030 - $173,363
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Iambic Therapeutics, Inc

  • Iambic Therapeutics, Inc San Diego, CA
  • Job Summary Iambic Therapeutics is seeking a Director of Clinical Supply Chain within CMC function to lead end-to-end clinical supply strategy and executio... more
  • 14 Days Ago

  • Iambic Therapeutics, Inc San Diego, CA
  • Job Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Associate Scientist to join the Chemistry team at Iambic Therapeutics headquarters in San ... more
  • 4 Days Ago

  • Iambic Therapeutics, Inc San Diego, CA
  • Job Summary Iambic Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Associate Director or Director to lead oncology drug discovery efforts and ad... more
  • 4 Days Ago

  • Iambic Therapeutics, Inc San Diego, CA
  • Job Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Analytical/Bioanalytical Scientist with a strong focus on chromatography-based purification to jo... more
  • 4 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry jobs in the San Diego, CA area that may be a better fit.

  • Vividion Therapeutics, Inc. San Diego, CA
  • Description Company Overview: Vividion is a next generation biotechnology company based in San Diego that is leveraging its proprietary chemical proteomics... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • Neurocrine Biosciences San Diego, CA
  • Who We Are: At Neurocrine Biosciences, we pride ourselves on having a strong, inclusive, and positive culture based on our shared purpose and values. We kn... more
  • 1 Day Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!